Security costs for Perry’s out-of-state trips top $2.6 million

Texas taxpayers have picked up another $126,982 for Gov. Rick Perry’s security detail on out-of-state trips, bringing the total to more than $2.6 million since his re-election.

The Texas Department of Public Safety compiles the cost of Perry’s security detail on a quarterly basis, based on the state fiscal year that starts Sept. 1. The latest report includes expenses through May. Besides costs for the preceding three months, it includes expenses from earlier trips whose bills have since come in.

Trips covered by the latest report include the security detail accompanying Perry to California, where he sought to attract business to Texas; Palm Beach, where he appeared with Florida Gov. Rick Scott at a forum; and Washington, D.C. He spoke at CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, near Washington in March.
Perry’s direct travel costs generally are covered by his campaign or other means.

It also includes February security expenses for a trip to Tennessee. Perry in February tweeted a much-noted photo of himself with Clay Walker, saying they were watching the A&M v Vanderbilt game together.

The latest report comes after lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have required state officeholders to reimburse taxpayers for security costs for trips that aren’t official state business – and as Perry mulls another presidential run.

Of the security cost for his out-of-state travel, $1.8 million was racked up in August 2011 through January 2012, covering his failed White House race.

Perry spokesman Josh Havens said by e-mail: “Gov. Perry is the governor of Texas 24/7 regardless of where he goes, and the Texas Department of Public Safety has a policy of providing security for governors and their families everywhere they travel, as they have back several administrations. It’s unfortunate that we live in a day and age where security is an issue, but we have the upmost respect and appreciation for the officers who provide security for the Governor, the First Lady and other state officials.”